CBD (cannabidiol) seems to be the new go-to remedy for just about anything, especially on social media. Sore muscles? There’s a CBD lotion for that. Feeling stressed after a long day? Maybe a CBD-infused drink will do the trick. Can’t fall asleep? Just try a CBD gummy! People even claim it helps with weight loss.
With so many promises about its benefits, it’s easy to find yourself wondering if CBD might also help with some of the distress brought on by OCD, such as intrusive thoughts and rumination.
Is there any real connection between CBD and OCD relief? Or is it just another wellness trend with more promise than proof? To get the answer, let’s dig a little deeper into what CBD really is.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the main active ingredients found in the cannabis plant. CBD is typically extracted from hemp plants, which are cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound that causes the intoxicating “high” associated with cannabis. Despite being just one of many compounds in the cannabis plant, CBD has gained significant attention for its potential benefits without the psychoactive effects.
While it used to be part of the controlled substances act, CBD derived specifically from hemp plants is now legal in all 50 US states. This means easy access in stores and online without the need of a medical cannabis license.
It is important to note that over-the-counter CBD products are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). This means you have to be careful when buying CBD products and make sure they have been tested for quality assurance by a third party. Untested products can contain varying amounts of THC and create unwanted psychoactive effects.
Another safety concern with CBD is that it’s mostly sold as a supplement, not a medication. Since the FDA doesn’t regulate dietary supplements, there’s no real oversight of what’s actually in the products you’re buying. This means you can’t be entirely sure that the CBD you pick up has the active ingredients or the dosage it claims on the label.
Despite the lack of regulation, CBD’s appeal continues to grow, partly because it’s not psychoactive and won’t get you high. People are increasingly turning to it in hopes of alleviating various health issues like back pain, anxiety, and to ease pain caused by cancer and chemotherapy. However, it’s important to note that CBD is currently only FDA-approved as a medicinal treatment for epilepsy.
Does CBD help with OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition where individuals repeatedly experience intrusive thoughts, urges, feelings, sensations and/or images. These obsessions can create intense distress, leading to compulsive actions, both physical and mental, in an attempt to find relief. When it comes to CBD helping with OCD, the short answer is no—CBD is not the solution you’re looking for.
According to Tracie Zinman-Ibrahim, LMFT, CST, and Chief Compliance Officer at NOCD, there’s no solid evidence that CBD can ease the symptoms of OCD, despite its growing popularity and the claims you might see online.
This is further backed up by a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of CBD on OCD symptoms and found that, while CBD may have potential therapeutic effects for various conditions, it did not show significant results in lowering OCD symptoms. Overall, the results were inconclusive and did not support the use of CBD as a standalone treatment for OCD.
While some people hope CBD might help with anxiety—another common issue linked to OCD—there isn’t enough research to support this. Zinman-Ibrahim explains, “there’s just not enough studies to show anything about CBD and anxiety… There’s no strong evidence that it can be helpful.” This reflects a broader issue with many supplements and quick fixes: they often promise a lot but deliver very little in terms of actual, proven benefits.
Individuals with OCD might be tempted to try self-medication with supplements or online remedies, hoping there’s an easier route to healing than therapy. “If those were helpful and they did something for you, then everybody would be taking them because that would be easy.” says Zinman-Ibrahim.
At the end of the day, an evidence-based treatment like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective way to manage OCD symptoms. “The gold standard treatment for OCD is ERP,” says Zinman-Ibrahim. “Self-medicating [is] not helpful because… you’re not learning how to manage your symptoms, which is what ERP can teach you.”
ERP works by gradually exposing people to their triggers and teaching response prevention strategies to cope with their distress. In the search for relief, it’s important to focus on proven methods rather than getting sidetracked by unverified remedies. “If there were a quick fix, we’d all use it. Why would we do something hard if we didn’t have to?” Zinman-Ibrahim shares.
While CBD and similar substances might seem tempting, the best approach to managing OCD involves evidence-based therapies and professional support.
OCD treatment you can afford
Use your insurance to work with a NOCD specialist.
Use your insurance to work with a NOCD specialist.
What to know about mental health and substance use
When it comes to managing mental health, self-medicating with substances like CBD or THC might seem tempting, especially given the amount of positive anecdotes circulating online. However, Zinman-Ibrahim points out the importance of understanding the broader implications. “I always think there’s a danger in self-medicating if you’re using it to try to solve a problem. Because what will you do if that problem exists and you can’t self-medicate at that time?” she explains.
If you are diagnosed with any mental health conditions, including OCD, make sure to approach substance use with safety and caution. According to Zinman-Ibrahim, CBD and OCD, or cannabis and OCD, don’t really go together. One reason is the potential link between OCD and addiction. While CBD itself isn’t addictive, it is important to realize that for people with mental health conditions, it is easy to become reliant on substances as a form of escape.
“Some people with mental health issues find that they’re so uncomfortable and trying to escape that they use substances in a way that is dysfunctional,” Zinman-Ibrahim explains. “You come off of being numb and the problem’s still there. You’re still uncomfortable. So now what, are you going to just keep medicating?” Not only can this lead to addiction, but it also doesn’t achieve a real solution to your problems.
It’s also essential to recognize that these substances can have psychoactive properties that might worsen symptoms rather than alleviate them. Zinman-Ibrahim explains, “THC can increase anxiety. And it also can get in the way of the learning and habituation you need to do when you’re doing ERP.”
We can help you tackle your intrusive thoughts, no matter what they are
THC and CBD are products people like to enjoy recreationally, and it is possible to use them safely. Just being aware of potential problems and being mindful of how these substances affect you are key to healthy usage. If you are on medication for OCD or another condition, it is important to tell your provider so they can make sure the cannabis does not interact with your treatment. For individuals in ERP therapy, Zinman-Ibrahim recommends no substance use several hours before and after treatment.
Find what’s best for you
Finding what works best for managing OCD is a highly personal journey, and what might be effective for one person may not be for another. While CBD has garnered attention for its potential benefits, it’s important to approach it with a clear understanding of the available evidence. As it stands, there isn’t strong support for CBD as a go-to solution for OCD, and self-medicating can be tricky.
Before incorporating CBD—or any new substance or supplement—into your routine, it’s essential to have a conversation with your therapist or doctor. They can help you navigate the potential benefits and risks, ensuring that your approach is both safe and aligned with your treatment goals. Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance and support for your unique needs, so take the time to explore your options with professional guidance.